Mario Kart Double Dash vs Mario Kart Wii

[DAWG26]

Need advice on what to get. Really wanted to get the Wii version because I havnt played it but I thought I would find out which one you guys like better.

Is using the wii remote better or worse? Should I just go with the GC version?

[jbrun85]

i really like the double dash. I guess a lot of people didnt though. I think it might be my favorite in the series. The girlfriend loves playing it too.

edit: not so keen on the Wii version. I think its the worst actually.

[help1]

I loved double dash to death.

[DAWG26]

i really like the double dash. I guess a lot of people didnt though. I think it might be my favorite in the series. The girlfriend loves playing it too.

edit: not so keen on the Wii version. I think its the worst actually.


Is it because using the wii remote kinda sucks?

Also What kind of controller options do I have for playing Double Dash on the wii? Just the GC controller? I have a classic controller but I dont think I can use that.

[dragonjud]

Double Dash is better simply because it actually requires you to do some thinking while playing. The Wii version added absolutely nothing to the series (except for maybe a track or two). Also the 150 CC final cup is ridiculous in the Wii version. It doesn't matter how good you are, the AI will smoke you in a very, very cheap way.

[maximumzero]

Wii version, all the way, primarily for the Online Multiplayer

And yes, there are Multiple Control Options (Wii Remote w/ Wheel, Gamecube Controller, Classic Controller, or Wii Remote & Nunchuck)

[DAWG26]

^ Thanks. Im having trouble deciding which way to go.

[soonersfan60]

Wii for online, better variety of tracks, and steering wheel control (which is surprisingly good). GC for better battle mode and racing strategy. I think overall I like the Wii version better.

[Kaoz]

I am assuming the motion controls for it are as good as they are in excitebots, so I would choose the Wii version ... price has kept me from getting it.

[flameofdoom666]

I prefer Double Dash!! but, the Wii version is pretty good too

[DAWG26]

Should I bother with the wii wheel or is it more of a waste?

[The Crotch]

The Wii version definitely added things... but what it took out, I really miss. I prefer Double Dash over most any version of Mario Kart.

[Lone_Prodigy]

I would suggest getting MK64 from VC: cheapest option, and really fun. True, there are only 4 Battle maps, but try to not fall off Skyscraper and navigate a minefield of banana peels and fake item boxes.

Heck, get the original off VC as well: still my favourite Mario Kart. It's HARD.

But if you want my opinion between MKWii and MKDD, I would say MKWii. Online is pretty good and the track variety is nice. You also get the option to remove items and AI if you wish in Vs.

[Sir_Fragalot]

Well the Wii version is hard as fuck for singleplayer. I have not gone back to that game because the AI is so god damn cheap. The Wii wheel is fine, you can use the GCN controller too.

Overall if you can find the GCN version for like 10-15 dollars try that one out because it is cheaper. Both are good games and I can't really pick a favorite out of the two.

[Zing]

I didn't play Double Dash until after fully unlocking Mario Kart Wii. I don't like it nearly as much. That said, I am now completely jaded on Mario Kart Wii, especially online. I am so fucking tired of losing a race due to a luck last-minute blue shell shot by someone in 12th place (with zero chance of winning). The blue shell in the previous games at least hit people on its way up. The way the game distributes item in the Wii version is borderline broken.

The steering wheel controls are great. Online mode in general is great until you get high ranked. Single player is a great challenge. I don't find it "cheap" at all.

The SNES version is by far the best. Next would be the GBA version, which is basically the SNES version on a handheld.

I didn't get much into Double Dash. I think if you had four local players, it would be great. The tracks in Double Dash seem very small for some reason.

[Chronis]

I would suggest getting MK64 from VC: cheapest option, and really fun. True, there are only 4 Battle maps, but try to not fall off Skyscraper and navigate a minefield of banana peels and fake item boxes.

I second this. MK64 was amazing! The only drawback is that the game is VERY fuzzy. They used prerended character models that have not aged wonderfully.

As for DD versus Wii, it really boils down to online or not. If you don't care about online play, then I say go Double Dash.

[Rig]

My order:

Super Mario Kart (SNES) --- Played this one for years
Mario Kart Double Dash (GCN) --- Very fun
Mario Kart Wii (Wii...heh) --- Also very fun.
Whatever the GBA one was called...Super Circuit?
Mario Kart 64

Dunno what it is about the 64 version, but, I just do not like it as much as the others. My vote (for you) would definitely be Double Dash.

[The Crotch]

The blue shell in the previous games at least hit people on its way up.

Not in DD...

[Troopa]

A part of me feels like the mechanics of Double Dash are better, but the Wii has online play and other options. Hard to choose.

They really just need to add online play to SMK and MK64. That will make us all happy. :)

[ImLuhkee]

And yes, there are Multiple Control Options (Wii Remote w/ Wheel, Gamecube Controller, Classic Controller, or Wii Remote & Nunchuck)

Just clarifying, You are able to use GC Controllers with the MarioKart Wii?

Also I never played MK: DD. I always enjoyed battle on Mario Kart 64. How is the battle on DD and Mario kart wii?

[maximumzero]

Just clarifying, You are able to use GC Controllers with the MarioKart Wii?

Also I never played MK: DD. I always enjoyed battle on Mario Kart 64. How is the battle on DD and Mario kart wii?

Absolutely.

But in my opinion the Wii Remote & Nunchuck is the best way to play.

The Wii Wheel works surprisingly well too.

[ImLuhkee]

Absolutely.

But in my opinion the Wii Remote & Nunchuck is the best way to play.

The Wii Wheel works surprisingly well too.

Well I just have around 5 of GC controllers and only two Wii mote/nunchuck pair. So it is nice to know I could toss in a couple controllers for multiplayer.

[Puffa469]

The Wii version is the best in terms of feature set, having online, multiple control options, tracks, etc.

But imo, the gameplay in the Wii version is broken by the powerups. You can be the most skilled kart driver ever and you will still get screwed and lose races due to cheapness. This is Nintendo's way of 'Balancing' the game so that Grandma and little Timmy can compete with hardcore MK players and have a chance of winning.

[Ryukahn]

MK64 is easily my favorite in the series. Even when I had Mario Kart Wii, I played the VC MK64 more than it, and family members liked the N64 version more too.

[icedrake523]

I enjoy MK Wii more. But it is cheap with all the blue shells. I don't know how many times it's happened when the finish line is very close, I get hit by a blue shell, and then 3 other players pass him.

Double Dash is fun, especially two players in the same kart. My friend and I dominated when we'd play together. However, the heavy karts are completely useless. They have horrible acceleration. If you get hit, it takes forever to get back to a high speed. They made them much better in MK Wii.

[SuperPhillip]

Mario Kart Wii has the best and most content, but DOuble Dash is just more fun to play and less cheap. My brother won't play MKWii with me because of the item rape.

[soliddragon]

Double Dash ALL the way man! That Wii ish was garbage and a step BACKWARDS!

[Lone_Prodigy]

I agree the item balance can be frustrating, but even in MK64 you wouldn't get Lightning/Star/Triple Reds in first place: mostly banana peels/fake item/single greens. That's why in most races I try to stay in the top 4 (NOT first) and accumulate chase items (Triple Reds with Triple Red backup, Triple Mushrooms, etc.) Then, when it's close to the end, I use all my items to try to win. I think of it as strategy. Item usage is what IMO made SMK the hardest: the item boxes wouldn't regenerate so they were really important to hold onto, which meant more skill than luck in winning.

It appears everyone forgot about MK DS. Never played it myself, but it seems alright minus the snaking. Super Circuit I felt combined the best of SMK and MK64.

[SuperPhillip]

DS is the best Mario Kart imo. Started the retro cup, had decent online, little rubber-banding/item rape. 'Was fun.

[Troopa]

Yeah, I'd put MKDS as better than the Wii or Gamecube version. Not so sure how I feel it compares to SMK or MK64 though. The battle modes in the first two were great.

[willardhaven]

I prefer Mario Kart Wii over Double Dash for sure.

[Jesus_S_Preston]

I only played DD a little but had fun. In the Wii version I could never get through a race without getting hit by a series of 5 items in a row. DD it is.

[dothog]

In the Wii version I could never get through a race without getting hit by a series of 5 items in a row.
The final judgment on the game from a karting perspective really is this simple. I would qualify it slightly to say that it's not getting hit by every item -- you expect shells and bananas in Mario karting -- it's the constant bolts and pows that really sting. In MKW, so much of winning or losing in a competitive race can come down to a random box, given that you can't rely on being able to hold items for more than half a lap.

There are other comments in this thread that rate MKW above DD based on content and online play. That's certainly valid if those are the things that matter most to you. But if what you're looking for is a karting game (which in my mind is one that's as true to the SMK spirit as possible), then MKW is the furthest from that experience in the MK series.

Hence, DD is slightly closer to a karter. The original knock on DD was that the two-racer-per-kart feature was a "gimmick." It is, of course, but it's nothing that takes away from the karting experience. It's just a way for you to hold an extra item, it's nothing to get worked up about.

Again, I realize not everyone digs on the karting vibe. If that's the case, MKW beats out DD easily if you're more interested in lots of characters, vehicles, tracks, items, online play, and a general tour through the Mushroom Kingdom and Nintendo fandom.

[nbballard]

The mechanics of DoubleDash are amazingly well done. The 2-player per kart deal adds an incredible amount of strategy to the game. You can hord power-ups, pick a team that has special moves that suit your needs, etc.

Not to mention that the 2-player co-op is one of the most unique kart racer components ever.

Double Dash FOREVER!

['Cube Daddy]

Consider your television, as well. I still enjoy playing DD on my GCN downstairs, but upstairs my TV is a 32' Sony Bravia and I much prefer to race in widescreen so it's MKWii all the way.

MKWii is also much prettier graphically when you compare the two side-by-side.

[Puffa469]

The final judgment on the game from a karting perspective really is this simple. I would qualify it slightly to say that it's not getting hit by every item -- you expect shells and bananas in Mario karting -- it's the constant bolts and pows that really sting. In MKW, so much of winning or losing in a competitive race can come down to a random box, given that you can't rely on being able to hold items for more than half a lap.

There are other comments in this thread that rate MKW above DD based on content and online play. That's certainly valid if those are the things that matter most to you. But if what you're looking for is a karting game (which in my mind is one that's as true to the SMK spirit as possible), then MKW is the furthest from that experience in the MK series.

Hence, DD is slightly closer to a karter. The original knock on DD was that the two-racer-per-kart feature was a "gimmick." It is, of course, but it's nothing that takes away from the karting experience. It's just a way for you to hold an extra item, it's nothing to get worked up about.

Again, I realize not everyone digs on the karting vibe. If that's the case, MKW beats out DD easily if you're more interested in lots of characters, vehicles, tracks, items, online play, and a general tour through the Mushroom Kingdom and Nintendo fandom.


Well said. I agree 100%, especially that MKWii is furthest away from being a true MK experience.

[willardhaven]

The final judgment on the game from a karting perspective really is this simple. I would qualify it slightly to say that it's not getting hit by every item -- you expect shells and bananas in Mario karting -- it's the constant bolts and pows that really sting. In MKW, so much of winning or losing in a competitive race can come down to a random box, given that you can't rely on being able to hold items for more than half a lap.

There are other comments in this thread that rate MKW above DD based on content and online play. That's certainly valid if those are the things that matter most to you. But if what you're looking for is a karting game (which in my mind is one that's as true to the SMK spirit as possible), then MKW is the furthest from that experience in the MK series.

Hence, DD is slightly closer to a karter. The original knock on DD was that the two-racer-per-kart feature was a "gimmick." It is, of course, but it's nothing that takes away from the karting experience. It's just a way for you to hold an extra item, it's nothing to get worked up about.

Again, I realize not everyone digs on the karting vibe. If that's the case, MKW beats out DD easily if you're more interested in lots of characters, vehicles, tracks, items, online play, and a general tour through the Mushroom Kingdom and Nintendo fandom.

Can't you just turn off the items in Vs. mode?

[KingBroly]

Mario Kart Wii has the best and most content, but DOuble Dash is just more fun to play and less cheap. My brother won't play MKWii with me because of the item rape.

Pretty much this. They didn't balance the game for 12 players. Players 1-8 are balanced for Double Dash. Now take that, and add 4 more players with 8th place item drops. That is the problem.

[seanw]

I think the Wii Wheel controls, except without actually using the plastic wheel, are amazing controls, and I would vote for MK Wii for this reason. Skidding was never easier or more intuitive. I agree that MKDD was slightly less "cheap" than MKW, but it's very satisfying to get all that stuff unlocked in MKW because it is a tough, tough game. But MKDD is also a great game.

[willardhaven]

I think the vehicles just feel more fun in Wii... Double Dash is fine but the controls just aren't as good.

[sippycupz]

I didn't play Double Dash until after fully unlocking Mario Kart Wii. I don't like it nearly as much. That said, I am now completely jaded on Mario Kart Wii, especially online. I am so fucking tired of losing a race due to a luck last-minute blue shell shot by someone in 12th place (with zero chance of winning). The blue shell in the previous games at least hit people on its way up. The way the game distributes item in the Wii version is borderline broken.

That last-minute blue shell isn't just luck, it's a communist mechanism that Nintendo intently wove into the game to enforce an "if you lose, everybody wins" policy. It originated in Mario Kart DS and helped kill its online multiplayer in the same fashion. It's turned the series into a literal game of chance that gives you little more control of your destiny than Rock Paper Scissors. Wasn't always like that. I'm no Mario Kart elitist, I just don't like being robbed every time I hit its streets.

I haven't played DoubleDash!! (do want to try it sometime), but I've heard good things, despite lackluster reviews. If you can get an offline multiplayer deal going, then go for it. Then again, I actually haven't played MKWii either (after hearing that MKDS' hackjob item distribution made an amplified return), and it did get very good reviews.

So yeah, I say Super Mario Kart and Mario Kart 64 are still the best in the series (64 being my personal fave), but good luck with your choice. Neither are terrible games I'm sure, just look at the pros and cons of each one (apparently they do have both) and you'll be good.

[tsmvengy]

Double Dash is probably the superior game gameplay-wise, but Wii wins out because of the motion controls. The wheel is too cool.

Also the online MP is good. Who the fuck cares if you get blasted at the end, have some fun with it.

64 is the worst Mario Kart game. That's right, I said it! All of the other iterations, including Super Mario Kart, are better.

[bluesyncopate]

If you aren't an expert player, and don't care about keeping a fair lead - in other words, if you just want good graphics, good control, good tracks and multiplayer, and can shrug off cheapness as "part of the crazy experience" - then MKW is the way to go, hands down. Love the motion controls!

But DD is more balanced in regards to competitiveness, so if you're a skilled, competitive player, MKW is just going to piss you off.

[SuperPhillip]

^ Great, concise post there, my boy!

[nbballard]

If there was a NPC! DD with 16:9 support I'd be happy.

[dothog]

I think the Wii Wheel controls, except without actually using the plastic wheel, are amazing controls, and I would vote for MK Wii for this reason. Skidding was never easier or more intuitive.
I think the DD controls are really well done. This title and WW really make the GC controller sing. IMO, no karter has ever been better served by its controller than MKDD.

I would agree, though, that MKW provided new perspective on the countersteer skid/boost mechanic (aka mini-turbo) as featured in MK64, MKDD, and MKDS. On one hand, the countersteer mini-turbo does provide some depth in the game play in that it's something that takes a while to master; on the other, it's maybe too smart by half, i.e. needless sophistication that could be implemented in a "friendlier" way.

But given that the countersteer MT is in there, MKDD's controls do very well with it. This is JMO, but I think MKDD handles the countersteer MTs much better than the motion control handles the steering and fraking tricks in MKW.

The point of all this is that the decision of MKDD vs. MKW shouldn't come down to the controls, as each has their advantages. MKW gives you a good variety if Motion Control isn't your thing, and if you want Motion Control, it is implemented fairly well as waggle goes. MKDD is more responsive and provides more depth and replay. You may not choose to explore the depth in the MKDD control, and that's fine, but it's there to experience if you decide you're interested. Let's call it a push on the Control issue.

EDIT: Just want to use this post to send out much love to GC spice. Still love you, baby.

[Zing]

I just spent some serious time with Double Dash and I gotta say that the Wii game blows it away. With the wheel support, graphics, and overall driving feel of MK Wii, there is no comparison. When I am driving with the wheel, I feel like I am in control. When I go up ramps and around corners, it just feels better. I can feel the distinct and sometimes subtle difference between the different drivers and karts. It's just an overall smoother experience.

Yes, the item rape in Wii is huge and annoying. I actually felt like there were too few items in Double Dash. Contrary to what some people have said, I feel that the items in MK Wii are specifically balanced for 12 players. Four or less players is pretty much broken, as a single thundercloud can essentially end the race for you. With 12 players, there are a ton of items flying around, but at least it is chaotic enough that the items don't have the huge effect they do with few players.

[Zing]

I also just noticed that MKDD has LAN support!

[Puffa469]

Pretty much this. They didn't balance the game for 12 players. Players 1-8 are balanced for Double Dash. Now take that, and add 4 more players with 8th place item drops. That is the problem.

This is exactly it. In the old games, 8th (last) place got the killer powerups. In MKWii, the 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th place players all get those last place powerups. So every time they run over a question block, they are getting a blue shell, lightning bolt, or one of the other top tier powerups.

Also with 12 racers, by the 3rd lap it looks like a semi truck carrying a load of bananas overturned on the highway.

[nbballard]

I also just noticed that MKDD has LAN support!
I used this set-up a LOT when the game came out. We did 4 player (2 kart) vs. and it was always a blast.

[sinkingships]

I always liked double dash's idea of having two drivers with two different powerups.

[The Crotch]

Also: where the fuck are the unique items? Giant shells, fireballs, etc?

[tsmvengy]

I always liked double dash's idea of having two drivers with two different powerups.


The teamwork part of that game was pretty awesome. One person whose job it was just to shoot people and slam around with the sideways shunts? Very cool.

[iPlayConsoles]

the 150 cc cup in MKWii is really pissing me off. I lead the entire race by half a lap until I almost finish the race...then cometh the blue shell, followed by lightning, and then 3 - 4 red shells and BAM! 8th place finish.

can't wait till I receive my wireless GCN controllers so I can finally play my DD

[Chronis]

I actually saw this on another site and it reminded me of this thread.

http://i49.tinypic.com/2004fx2.jpg

[sippycupz]

64 is the worst Mario Kart game. That's right, I said it! All of the other iterations, including Super Mario Kart, are better.
reading this poppycock hurt my soul

[sippycupz]

the 150 cc cup in MKWii is really pissing me off. I lead the entire race by half a lap until I almost finish the race...then cometh the blue shell, followed by lightning, and then 3 - 4 red shells and BAM! 8th place finish.

can't wait till I receive my wireless GCN controllers so I can finally play my DD
yeah I heard you can only beat MKWii's 150cc if lady luck is on your side, big time

I actually saw this on another site and it reminded me of this thread.

http://i49.tinypic.com/2004fx2.jpg
ROFL, perfect!

[Puffa469]

the 150 cc cup in MKWii is really pissing me off. I lead the entire race by half a lap until I almost finish the race...then cometh the blue shell, followed by lightning, and then 3 - 4 red shells and BAM! 8th place finish.

can't wait till I receive my wireless GCN controllers so I can finally play my DD

The best way to win in MKWii is to hang around in 3rd or 4th place until halfway thru the last lap. Then go for broke. With luck, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd place racers will get blue shell raped and you can zoom past them and take the lead right at the finish.

It's sad that the game is soo broken that this is the best strategy to win. It's like they never rewrote the code for powerup distribution to account for 4 extra racers.

[willardhaven]

My girlfriend and I got gold medals in all of the circuits on Mario Kart Wii the summer after it came out and it was hard but not as bad as everyone here is saying.

[Slayzz]

Get Mario Kart DD if you actually play balloon battle mode with your friends. Mario kart wii has terrible battle modes, there's no standard ballon battle mode found in all the old Mario karts!!! WTF Nintendo!! they're replaced with this shitty points system where no one dies. So disappoint with the Wii version.

[Zing]

I had no trouble with getting star rank on every circuit except for a few tracks on mirror mode (bowser's castle was one). I don't remember it having anything to do with items, either.

Now, online, that is where you get raped. My favorite thing to do when I was a noob faced with high rated players was to pick Luigi's Circuit. The race is so luck based, it hurts. It helped balance out the fact that these players were picking Rainbow Road every fucking time.

[sinkingships]

i got pissed too easily when I played online so I stopped.

[Sk]

I enjoyed the levels better in double dash (it had the best rainbow road). However DD is way too slow. There is no speed in the game.

Mario Kart Wii has better mechanics, but more straight forward game play. It takes no risks other than the wii control scheme.

[Zing]

Hi, I'm Daisy!

Hi, I'm Daisy!

Hi, I'm Daisy!

Hi, I'm Daisy!

Hi, I'm Daisy!

[Zing]

I am currently working on getting gold in the 150cc cups, and it's pretty fun, but I find it has roughly the same item luck as Mario Kart Wii. I still sometimes get hit by 2 blue shells in a single race. Red shells up the ass, and it is harder to avoid them since you can't drag bananas or shells behind you (I actually like this change). The controls are far more sluggish than any other Mario Kart game, making it hard to avoid the flood of fake item boxes and bananas.

Overall, I find that it has a good balance of luck and skill, but the tracks are far too simplistic.

[nbballard]

The other thing about DD that is better than Wii is that because the characters have customer attacks things get really personal. I mean, I know for certain when Luigi has ruined my day versus diddy kong.

It makes it a lot more fun when you are in a position to get revenge.

[Zing]

Daisy Cruiser is frustrating. Once I fall behind, there is no catching up. I hit one table or something and it's over.

I notice that the computer controlled heavy karts have super acceleration. I hit one with a shell or something, pass it, and they are able to immediately pull ahead of me. Fun.

[itachiitachi]

The other thing about DD that is better than Wii is that because the characters have customer attacks things get really personal. I mean, I know for certain when Luigi has ruined my day versus diddy kong.

It makes it a lot more fun when you are in a position to get revenge.
That's what I hated about the games, those stupid giant banana's taking up half the course where so retarded.

I'd say the wii version is way better, but both versions have crappy battle modes.

[Zing]

Playing 150cc and being in the lead is a death trap. One race I got hit with three blue shells. One of those hits was followed by two red shells in a row. The next race in the circuit, I got hit with three blue shells again.

Whoever it was at Nintendo that thought it was "fair" to have the players in last place be able to randomly determine the outcome of the first few positions can suck my nuts.

Also, I noticed a bug (feature?) where karts that are currently going through the "i crashed into a fake item box or hit by a shell" animation are not affected by the lightning bolt. Yeah. It's really fair that the dude in 1st place gets to stay big and drive off into the sunset simply because the lightning happened to hit the same time as my red shell.

[Zero_Kirby]

I loved Double Dash!! I like MKWii but the A.I can be cheap

[SuperPhillip]

Playing 150cc and being in the lead is a death trap. One race I got hit with three blue shells. One of those hits was followed by two red shells in a row. The next race in the circuit, I got hit with three blue shells again.

Whoever it was at Nintendo that thought it was "fair" to have the players in last place be able to randomly determine the outcome of the first few positions can suck my nuts.

Also, I noticed a bug (feature?) where karts that are currently going through the "i crashed into a fake item box or hit by a shell" animation are not affected by the lightning bolt. Yeah. It's really fair that the dude in 1st place gets to stay big and drive off into the sunset simply because the lightning happened to hit the same time as my red shell.

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/image.php?u=21038&dateline=1154555575 (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/member.php?u=21038)

[moothemagiccow]

I loved Double Dash!! I like MKWii but the A.I can be cheap

I think you only start to notice because in the 50cc and 100cc you're basically just pressing the Go button and trying to make it around the track. In mirror mode the computer is actively trying to get you. I can't count the number of times I got hit by someone with a star.

I thought the game was hard until I played online. Those guys are way more clever than the computer. Real simple stuff like putting a fake question block right where the normal ones sit, or sitting one right before a jump so you fall in the water.

It took me forever to beat this game but it was so rewarding when I did. I have not played Double Dash. I bought a Wii after playing this game in the store. The motion controls IMO are genius. They took what all of us were doing (turning the controller as we turned) and made that the control method.

[tsmvengy]

Yeah, people bitch about the cheapness of the AI.

The people you race online are fucking diabolical.